The Intel Core i7 is a new line of desktop processors based on the new Nehalem microarchitecture, which evolved from the Core microarchitecture which powered the highly successful Intel Core 2 line of microprocessors. Like its predecessors, the new Core i7 processors is manufactured using Intel's 45 nm fabrication process with high-k (hafnium) dielectric and metal gate technology. However, that is where the similarity ends.

Unlike the Core 2 processors, the new Core i7 processors have a monolithic design. That means the entire quad-core processor is fabricated on a single die. The quad-core version of the Core 2 processor, on the other hand, combines two dual-core dies in a multi-chip package (MCP). The Core i7 processor also introduces a slew of new technologies :

an integrated DDR3 memory controller

a three-tier cache design

QuickPath Interconnect

Intel Turbo Mode technology

Today, we will be taking a close look at the new Intel Core i7-975 Extreme Edition processor, which debuted on June 3, 2009. As Extreme Edition moniker hints, this processor comes with unlocked multipliers as well as a correspondingly hefty price tag.

But how fast is it really? After all, this is a high-end enthusiast-grade processor with a very, very hefty price tag. It had better be a couple of Mach numbers faster than the Core 2 processors! Well, this is what we will be looking into this review. Not only will we examine its performance in games, we will also take a look at its performance in 3D rendering and video encoding.

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